Sport: Sea-gals

Carly Noakes, Brighton & Hove Albion women’s club captain/centre back

Photo: copyright Paul Hazlewood

How long have you been with the club?
19 years – I started young!

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Playing on the same team as some Brighton Women legends; Emma Millington and Lisa Murray to name a couple.

What team’s going to be your biggest competition this season?
We will be our biggest competition! We have so much strength and depth in our squad this season, the competition for first and reserve team starts will be very stiff, and the players will be challenged hard this season to retain starting places.

What is your training regime out of season / in season?
We train as a squad twice a week and play our games on a Sunday, with occasional mid-week games.
Pre-season generally starts six to eight weeks prior to the first game of the season, and we have pre-season friendly games leading up to the first league game of the season.

Do you follow a strict diet?
I have a strict pre-match/training routine which consists of the right amount of sleep and food which will enhance my performance for the match/training session.

What other sports do you enjoy aside from football?
Does shopping count as a sport?! I don’t really have time for any other sports!

Where do you love to shop?
H&M, Office, French Connection, Yoma and Walk In Wardrobe – for a special occasion!

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re off the pitch?
Spending time with my family, and socialising with my close friends.

Do you follow the men’s team?
Yes! I’m a season ticket holder and have attended all the home and away games this season. I have seen the team through the old Goldstone days all the way through to the new Amex Stadium. I was brought up in a household which has a long generation of seagulls fans dating back to my great grandfather – in 1901!

Coming up for Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s Football Club: Portsmouth (H) 2 October